TMA04 Option 2
Essay plan
In what way did Pugin’s revival of the Gothic use tradition as a form of dissent?
1. Introduction: state what I’ll be discussing in the essay. Give my argument- what Plugin’s used through his architecture in churches and writing for evidence.
2. I will be discussing Pugin’s approach to classical architecture.Pugin dissented from tradition but may have been a radical traditionalist. Pugin’s dissent from classical/protestant architecture and design. And I will be discussing this in details by comparing the classic and gothic.
3. I will be discussing and explaining that classic tradition mainly focused on aesthetics of buildings.
4. Explain that Pugin’s way of thinking makes him a radical but his personal view makes him a traditionalist.
Conclude with using his artwork and writing as evidence in support for my argument.
Essay question
In what way did pugins revival of the gothic use tradition as a form of dissent?
I will aim to discuss the ways in which Pugin dissented from tradition and how he used tradition as a form of dissent. Whilst still arguing that he was a traditionalist. This will be illustrated by exploring Pugin’s traditional views of architecture and comparing them to the classical architecture that had been widespread since the Reformation. Classical architecture was generally seen as traditional design for buildings, since the reformation in the sixteenth century. This architecture design derived from the Greek and roman architecture.Pugin described these types of designs as pagan. Pugin did not consider himself to be a dissenter (b2 pg.131).He saw himself as a traditionalist trying to revive “true Christian architecture” which has been over shadowed by the dissents of neo-classicist. (book2 pg. 120).He had the opinion that the gothic revival will have positive effect on society and a continuity of past traditions. Pugin found his inspiration while travelling to other countries, especially in Germany, where the Roman Catholic Church was predominant. (St Chad’s and Religious Art).
In the illustration book (p.65) his artwork of contrasting churches shows two churches, one in a gothic style architecture, and one in the classical style. The Langham place which is an example of classical architecture, has a semi-circular façade held by eight columns. The church in general appears to be secular. The Redcliff church in Bristol is an example of gothic architecture. The church has many pointed arches making the building appear pointed and narrow. In strong contrast to the classical architecture its form is perpendicular. The main difference is the spire of the church, it has a sloping angle which lead to the top. The steps leading to the church add to the feeling of elevation. This type of architecture was a symbol of being closer to god, as the building appears closer to heaven. In contrast Nash’s church is shown as simple and plain, compared to the gothic architecture. Pugin’s design is more extravagant and a lot more out there.
Pugin always stressed the importance of architecture and how it relates to its society and its surroundings. In the illustration book (pg. 86).Pugin showed the same catholic town but in different times, one in 1440 and the other in 1840. This showed how the town changed through the years and the different affects it had on the landscape and environment visually.

The 1840 town appears overcrowded and leave hardly any space. This was due to the town having more secular buildings, like towns. The skyline show’s no spires but shows instead a factory chimney. Whilst the 1440 town is made up of gothic style churches and spires that overlook the skyline. There appears to be more space and showed “verticality” to symbolize closeness to “heaven” (pg.127).symbolising Jesus resurrection.
In pugins lithograph of “contrasted residence of the poor” it shows that there is a relationship between architecture and society in the ancient towns compared to the Morden towns